Portland update #5

Oh, words are not enough. What an incredible final day in portland with our brothers and sisters at bread & wine. We experienced something really cool in the loveslave project. Please ask a student about it. We closed the trip out at the eddlemans' house, hearing the story of God and praising Jesus together. I wish I could say more, but it's very late and I'm exhausted. We will be sleeping in the airport tonight and flying home in the morning. Pray for sleep and safe travels.

For His glory and our joy,
Nick

Portland update #4

Friday we finished up several service projects across. Many people within bread & wine were encouraged and said that they had really seen gospel service and community modeled by ours students. I couldn't be more proud of this crew. They have had wonderful hearts and been incredibly open to having their ideas about church challenged. One of my favorite comments came from Jayme Doss. She said, "I used to always think that my time with God meant time by myself reading and praying. Here, time with God means getting together in community to read, pray and discuss." We're learning that our walks with Jesus were meant to be in community.

Students are also learning what it means to live with "gospel intentionality." We have viewed little decisions like where we have breakfast and who we start conversations with through the lens of building relationships to share the gospel. The bread and wine community has said that our time here has already built some relationships that have led to people asking to come and explore the bread & wine community.

Friday night we got to go downtown and see more of the city. Fun times.

For His glory and our joy,
Nick

Guatemala Update # 3 - final blog

we made it to guatemala city. yesterday was a recovery day, in which it just felt like we needed a nap all day. i think after a week of loving on kids, out in the sun, and the wonderful death hike of doom, which we loved, we drove the four hours back into the city, and crashed. besides a trip to the park to throw a frisbee, we were at the hotel most of the day. today we are going to head out to do something pretty neat. we will spend the morning at an orphanage of kids who work at a cemetary. i just got off the phone with the director and he said they were doing a skit and dance clinic, followed by soccer. besides those...they really need people to just hug and love their kids. then he asked me if he thought our kids were up for any of that. i said...i think youve come to right place. we will then head to antigua for our shopping day. its a great way to finish the trip.

we fly out tomorrow at noon, getting home at 927 to xna. ill have the students call from houston. keep praying for courage, strength, safety, and rest. we love you all, and are excited to see you

matt, martha, and the G team
ps...did you know there are special latin american key boards...for the life of me i could not figure out any quotation markings. makes for alot of periods and a massive lack of apostrophes. sorry...

Guatemala Update # 2

Friends and Family:
We have made it to thursday! Due to some unforseen internet issues, i was unable to update yesterday. I guess you never know when your in the mayan mountains how well the internet coverage is going to be. We have had an incredible time. Today was our last day in Santa Cruz. it was a tearful goodbye as we exchanged gifts and hugs with the students and kids that we have gotten to know. what a precious people. We actually started today with a famous hike to a waterfall here. not lying...by the end of it, we were exhausted. There was a whole lot of sweating going on for sure as we hiked 4 miles either directly up or directly down. but it was a wonderful time to talk and see where the Lord is moving in each of the students lives. The students are doing great. Nobody is sick, we are all getting good rest, and besides handing out a handful of ibuprofen for sore backs from piggy back rides, things have been incredible. Every student has led in significant ways. One of my highlights was yesterday after we did a zaccheus skit for kindergarderners, ryan graham stood up and shared an incredible testimony. Despite his fear, he clearly communicated the love of Jesus through both the story of zaccheus and his own story. pretty cool. We have been taking some great video and pictures that we look forward to sharing with all of you. Tomorrow, we head back into Guatamala City and will check into our next hotel (where we will be for the rest of the time). tomorrow night we will serve at a homeless and hurting food kitchen. We will meet some pretty unique people. pray for courage. then Saturday, we'll be heading to Antigua for our debrief day that will include shopping and alot of laughing. we're hoping to visit an orphanage on the way.

thanks for praying! tonight we are studying 2 cor 5. should be a blast. Keep praying for energy, hope, strength, and courage as we prayerfully seek to live out the gospel to our guatamala friends.

Via Con Dios (Go with God)
Mateo, Marta, and the G team

(cross my fingers...i'll try to blog again Saturday after we return from antigua)

Memphis Update #4

We absolutely loved this last day of our trip! There were lots of emotions stirring in the air, yet we mustered up the strength to say good - bye to these kids (as they kept asking when we were coming back). Our day was full as we painted and cleaned an entire gym, we fed 150 people in the Bethel Community, and then fed another 50 people when we arrived back at the Grizzley Center. Not only did we physically serve, we were able to see how God used our group to spiritually serve as well. We have countless stories about how the Memphis kids would approach our students asking them what a personal walk looked like. Wow- how sweet it was watching our students talk about the Lord to these new friends. We then worshipped this evening with NES-( 7th-9th group from our church), and heard a powerful message from Coops/Jarrett-- Coops is our friend who runs the Bethel gym. We have all been in awe of this week's trip. As my eyes are heavy, I feel blessed to have experienced this trip with the most incredible leaders and students. Our hearts are "overflowing" with love for MAM and for the people of Memphis. We are grateful for the parents who prayed and felt lead to let their kids come on this trip. We are thankful for a body of believers and a church who sent us here and who financially gave so we could in-turn "feed the 5,000." We are thankful, filled, and excited to love others with Christ's Overflow. See you back in NWA.

Chanika

portland update #3 - serve and learn (or perhaps the gospel demonstrated and the gospel proclaimed)

Today was our first day in more of the rhythm of the week. We all started out with breakfast at our various locations. Then, we split up to various homes where we served for a few hours. We served both inside and outside the bread & wine community. Nick, Kassie, Shawn and Kristin went to ashley's house, where we scraped the old paint off of the walls in preparation for a new paint job. Michelle, Alex, Andrew, Carter, Megan, Kelli and Taylor went to Art's house, the home of elderly man who has recently joined the b & w community. There they cleaned and prepared to repaint. Carrie, Jayme, Cydnie, Sami, Luke, Dylan, Reid and Jason all went to Cameron's house. Cameron is a leader within the bread & wine community. There they painted and helped him on a remodel on his house.

In the afternoon, we met at Elevated Coffee and heard more of "the story of God" from Duke. Really a cool discussion time as we heard the story of God saving His people from a fresh perspective. After that we prayer walked the neighborhood through some good portland rain. We prayed that God would soften hearts to be ready to receive the gospel. In the evening, half of the team went to a prayer gathering at cameron's house while the other half went to dinner with their host homes. It's been incredible to see how the b & w community lives out community. They are very intentionally in each other's lives in a regular, rhythmic way. It has challenged many of our understandings of how the church understands and relates within itself.
More to come soon.

For His glory and our joy,
Nick

portland update #2 - orientation and sunshine

Incredible day. We all did breakfast at different locations across Northeast Portland. Then we gathered at the Revard's house to learn about bread & wine, the church here in portland. They introduced us to their identities and rhythms, which you can read about here. We hung out atop the Green Micro Gym, from which we could see Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen's on the clear, sunny portland day. We then did a little "neighborhood beautification." We cleaned up the streets and had a few great conversations along the way. It's all about paving the way for the gospel to hit people's hearts by showing them that the church cares about their city. Tonight a few groups got to experience a gospel community (bread & wine's small groups) while the rest of us spent the night with our host homes. Great day in portland. Cool to learn how this community is living out the gospel.

For His glory and our joy,
Nick

P.S. Only one pair got lost walking today. Reid Schatzman and Jason Holmstrom made a devastating wrong turn that put them a couple of miles away from where they were going. They found us after some cell phone coaching. All the girls did great.

portland update #1 - arrival

we are here. we are in our host homes. Praise Jesus; He is good. Everybody did great traveling. The bread & wine team has already welcomed us in so warmly. Here's a quick snapshot of our arrival. I won't be doing any editing this week, but i will throw some clips like this up so that you can see what's happening. i will try to write something more elegant after some sleep. we love you all very much.

For His glory and our joy,
nick

Memphis Update #3 - Things that amaze us

Today we were blown away by things that leave a sweet "mmmmm" feeling in your heart when you law down at night after reflecting about the day. A content breathe that can only be filled with the words, "thank you, God." We are amazed by the ability our kids have to clean, rake, power wash, wash toilets, scrub baseboards, dance, laugh, pray, and eat all before noon. We are amazed that the urban kids are just as excited to see us as we are them (and they know us by name). We are amazed that our kids are ok without a shower knowing that most of these kids haven't showered all week. We are amazed that Memphis has the best BBQ as we ate at Central BBQ tonight. We are amazed at God's overwhelming presence as we worshiped with NES team from Sunday morning. We are amazed at our own students who powerfully pray for and love on kids they've never met before. Finally, we are amazed by God Himself - Who continues to pursue us daily and Who loves us deeply. Thank you for your prayers for this Mosaic Student Missions Team. Wish you could see everything we see-- you too would be amazed. :)

Until tomorrow...
Chanika

Memphis Update #2

Day 2 was full of flexibility, faith and fun! It's amazing how our plans can easily diminish as Christ's ultimate plan takes over with an overwhelming rush of constant stability. Today we began the day serving the MAM gym by cleaning it from head to tow-even without the supplies we needed :) Our group split up in the afternoon and ministered to two different communities... Bethel and the Grizzly Center. Our Mosaic students will daily anticipate the arrival of over 200 urban kids, eager to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are overwhelmed by His constant Love and Grace through the lives of these kids. We are so blessed to be here. So, as I write, our students are winding down, ready to rest and excited about what our day will hold. May God continue to draw us closer to Himself here in Memphis.

Much love,
Chanika

Guatemala Update #1

We made it to Guatamala!
after a LONG day of travel, we finally got to our hotel last night in Guatamala at 5pm. We were shocked that our original flight took off after the most abnormal night of snow in the history of arkansas. timing is everything isn't it. we ended up hanging out on the runway for an hour, which made us miss our connection in houston. luckily, and to continental's credit, they booked our entire team on the next flight out. praise the Lord. We met our translator at the airport (Josea...pronounced hose-way) and headed immediately up into the mountains. by the time we arrived, we were tired. a great dinner and a short meeting/devotional later later, we were in bed by 9. Up at 7 today for quiet times and breakfast and then on the road for our 30 minute drive to santa cruz. the kids did incredible today. despite some nerves about language etc ....they jumped right in and did awesome. In the monring, we met our groups (each one of our students paired with 5-6 of theirs), took a tour with them of their homes and village, saw the constructed kindergarten, then came back to play some games and make salvation bracelets. this afternoon, the kids did their first "specialties" that they planned and prepared for. they were incredible. the kids loved the music class (robert and landry) the flower crafts (abi), the knitted hats (lindsay) and the "football americana" (toomer and alex). the drive back to the hotel tonight was filled with laughter and memories. it's going to be a great week. Thanks for your support and your prayers. We love you all. I will try again to blog on Wednesday. blessings!!!

Matt, Martha, and the Guatamala team.

ps...we are studying the first 6 chapters of 2 Corinthians in our nightly study. tonight specifically talking through 2:12-17. We'd love for you to join us in this

Memphis Update #1

We arrived safely in Memphis-greeted by warmer weather than NWA. We are thankful for the safe travels, good fast food and a warm welcome. We are starting off this week by praying that we can model our Lord Jesus Christ by serving, loving, and praying for the urban community here in Memphis. We pray that God will rock our world and that we would experience His greatness through through the lives of His children here. Blessings to Him for a wonderful Sunday in the Heartland of Elvis (which isn't really that urban at all).

Much love,
Chanika

Spring Break Update: Memphis and Guatemala

Well, fellowship's email seems to down as a result of the recent storm, and that was our main method of communicating updates. I have heard that the Memphis team is safely in Memphis. I've been unable to get an update from the Guatemala, but that is likely only because my email account is down. It should be back online by tomorrow morning. If there was anything important to communicate, there are definitely other ways they could have. So, no news is good news. We love you all and will continue to pray for God to do great things this week. The Portland team flies out Tuesday evening. Check here for more updates.

For His glory and our joy,
Nick

Passivity: Reflections for fellas on what it means to be an initiator

At first reflex when we see the word initiator, most of us do one of 2 things: puff up our chest and prepare ourselves to “dominate”…or…get into the fetal position in the corner of a room knowing we are destined to fail. Why is it there is such extremes in the world of initiative? While the word initiative does not appear in the Bible, we are given a clear example by Jesus on multiple accounts about what it means to initiate. Never do we see Jesus waiting on His heels waiting how things will “turn out”. We can even see prior to Jesus throughout the Old Testament a steady foot forward in initiative. In the Psalms alone, the words “I will” appear over 190 times as a cadence mantra that inspires us forward rather than backward, ignites rather than reacts, and invests rather than retreats. Is there any question that God who inspires these authors, and is the very image we are seeking through the picture of Jesus, is an initiator Himself?

Young men…stop being lazy, lonely, bored, and stagnant guys. We have been given the word that is the playbook to His calling and purpose in our lives. Often the best way to discover the unique plans God has for us as individuals is to act in an initiating manner towards the things he has called all of us too. Obey Him moving forward. As the old proverb goes: you can’t steer a parked car.

~Deep thoughts by a Shallow guy~
mn

All the single ladies!

My sweet and wonderful ladies of Mosaic Student Ministry! As I sit here thinking…processing…and thinking some more, I thought that I would share with you a few of the pieces on my heart. So men, we love ya but this blog is just for my girls!
:)

Ladies, do we not wake up each morning, look in the mirror and have a desire to be beautiful to someone? To experience love? To be seen as “very precious” to our King? Let’s dive into God’s word! 1 Peter 3:1-6…

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.”

As I begin to embark on a new adventure in life (marriage), I have continually thought of what it means to be a woman of the Lord and how we as women are wired to honor God and serve Him with our lives. This specific section of Scripture has become very precious to me because of these words “which in God’s sight is very precious.”
Now, obviously Paul is talking very specifically to “wives and husbands” in this section; however, DO NOT ride this passage off as one to look at when you start thinking about marriage or being a wife. Remember that there is great truth for all women of the Lord as we focus on what womanhood looks like according to God’s word. Paul directs all Christian females to put on something NOT corruptible, something that beautifies the soul and gives honor to His Spirit. Growing up, my FAVORITE game was “Pretty, Pretty Princess!” I loved all the jewelry that I could get and dress up in! But oh, to win the game and get to wear the beautiful crown filled with precious jewels my joy was uncontainable! I would prance around and be filled with excitement showing everyone my beautiful jewels and asking them to all bow down to “Princess Carrie” ☺ (did I mention that I probably took this a little to seriously as a child?). And so when Paul tells Christian women to NOT allow their beauty to be consumed by the outward appearance, I find this interesting! Now, Paul is NOT saying “don’t take care of yourself” or “never look cute ” or “don’t shower…in fact just throw mud on yourself and put a bag over your head!” NO! HEAR ME SAY…Paul is NOT saying those things. However, he IS saying do NOT be consumed in these things. He is commanding us- as ladies- to cultivate an inner beauty of a “gentle and quiet sprit”! If you are anything like me, you may say to yourself “Well GREAT God! Now I’m suppose to keep my big mouth shut and never say anything! I will need a complete personality makeover now!” But again…I DON’T think this is what it is about. This spirit is to be one of consistency with the Lord. One full of peace in knowing that the King of Kings is in complete control and we are to trust in Him with our lives and follow Him with every opportunity that He gives us! This is a spirit of respect, honor, love, submission, and trust. It looks more like a peaceful stream of water than the raging waves of the ocean.
So HOW do we cultivate this beauty? What does this look like? Well….as I have prayed through this verse here are a few things that God has brought to my attention that maybe you can chew on over a nice cup of Tazo© Calm Tea at Starbucks.

1. Proverbs 31:30- “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”. We MUST know the Lord! I think this is what it means to “fear” the Lord. We must know His heart, know His word, and ultimately we must KNOW Him! Do you know the Lord in a deep, intimate, love-relationship way?
2. Ex 34:29- “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” SPEND TIME WITH GOD! The most beautiful woman is one who cherishes and desires to spend time with her Maker! It was obvious to others that Moses had been with the Lord. Is it obvious to the people you live with or your classmates that you spend time with God? Is your face radiant?
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18-“We…are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory…” When people see you, who do they see? They should see Jesus Christ. Do they? How is God molding you to look more and more like Him? And how do you respond to His molding?

Ladies, how are you cultivating beauty? How are you leaning hard on the Lord? I pray that today your cultivate an imperishable beauty that beautifies your soul. You are precious to many and loved by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! May your hearts be at rest in Him and may your desire be for His attention alone!


~Princess Carrie ☺:)

Generational Discipliship: Reflections on Deuteronomy 6:4-8

The Youth Ministry of Fellowship Mosaic has a rhythm we march too. Everything we do find’s it’s roots in an Upward, Inward, Outward perspective of Deuteronomy 6:4
Deut 6:4-6
4 " Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
(Mark 12:31)"The second command is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

While we have strategically planned our ministries around these principles, it seems at times that today’s definition of church skips what comes next:
Deut 6:7-9
7 " You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 " You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 " You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

One of the grand purposes of the Church since the beginning of time has been to pass on to the next generation the wonderful deeds of the Lord in knowledge and truth. This chili pot thought is less about providing a solution and more about acknowledging a problem. Is this happening? Parent’s, are you spectators in the spiritual formation of your students or are you an active participant? If we as a student ministry are only being partially effective in living, programming, and communicating this, perhaps it is time we make considerations for change? Worthy of thought…Worthy of prayer…

~deep thoughts by a shallow guy~
mn